North Macedonia customs rules & duty-free allowances

Last reviewed July 2, 2026

Arriving in North Macedonia in 2026, you can bring duty-free 1 liter of spirits (over 22% vol.) or 2 liters of wine/beer, 200 cigarettes or 50 cigars or 250g of smoking tobacco, and personal goods up to €350 (approx. 21,500 MKD) for air travelers or €150 (approx. 9,200 MKD) for land/sea travelers. Declare cash over €10,000 (approx. 615,000 MKD).

Duty-free allowances

Alcohol
1.0 L
1 liter of spirits over 22% vol., OR 2 liters of wine/beer (under 22% vol.). Must be 18+.
Tobacco
200 cigarettes
or 50 cigars / 250 g
Cash to declare
$10,000
Cash or equivalent monetary instruments of €10,000 (approx. USD 10,500) or more must be declared in writing to customs upon arrival.
Goods duty-free
$800
Personal goods up to €350 (approx. USD 380) are duty-free for air travelers; for land/sea travelers the limit is €150 (approx. USD 160). Above these amounts, duty applies.

Prohibited — banned from import

  • Narcotics and psychotropic substances (except with medical prescription and permit)
  • Weapons, ammunition, and explosives (without special authorization)
  • Endangered species and products (CITES-listed plants and animals)
  • Counterfeit goods and pirated items
  • Radioactive materials and hazardous waste
  • Pornographic material (as defined by Macedonian law)

Restricted — allowed with a permit or declaration

  • Medicines containing controlled substances (requires a doctor's prescription and a permit from the Ministry of Health)
  • Plants, seeds, and soil (require phytosanitary certificate)
  • Pets (dogs, cats, ferrets) – must have microchip, valid rabies vaccination, and EU pet passport or equivalent
  • Cultural property and antiques (export/import permit from the Ministry of Culture)
  • Drones and radio equipment (require approval from the Agency for Electronic Communications)

Rules worth knowing

EU-style duty-free limits

North Macedonia applies EU-style duty-free allowances for travelers from non-EU countries. For air travelers, the personal goods limit is €350; for land and sea travelers, it's €150.

Cash declaration threshold

Any person entering or leaving North Macedonia with cash or bearer negotiable instruments equivalent to €10,000 or more must declare it to the Customs Administration. Failure to declare can result in seizure and fines.

Tobacco allowance is per person, not per family

The duty-free tobacco allowance (200 cigarettes or 50 cigars or 250g tobacco) applies individually to each traveler aged 18 or over. You cannot combine allowances from multiple people.

Frequently asked questions

You can bring 1 liter of spirits over 22% alcohol, OR 2 liters of wine or beer (under 22%). You must be at least 18 years old.
For air travelers, personal goods up to €350 (approx. 21,500 MKD) are duty-free. For land or sea travelers, the limit is €150 (approx. 9,200 MKD).
Yes, if you carry cash or monetary instruments worth €10,000 or more (approx. 615,000 MKD or USD 10,500). You must fill out a customs declaration form.
Yes, but your pet must have a microchip, a valid rabies vaccination (at least 21 days old), and an EU pet passport or equivalent health certificate. Contact the Food and Veterinary Agency for details.
Personal medicines for up to 30 days are generally allowed. For controlled substances (e.g., strong painkillers), you need a doctor's prescription and a permit from the Ministry of Health. Carry them in original packaging.
You must declare the excess goods and pay customs duty, VAT (18%), and possibly excise tax. The duty rate depends on the item type. Failure to declare can lead to fines and confiscation.

Official source

Customs Administration of the Republic of North Macedonia

For guidance only. Customs allowances and prohibited-item lists change without notice — always confirm with Customs Administration of the Republic of North Macedonia before travelling.